Make Sugar Bark
Sugar bark is a quick and easy way to make a crunchy garnish for coffee drinks. Or, it can be added to a dessert or used as a cake topping. Sugar bark has a short life of about an hour though, so it needs to be made just before serving. Fortunately, it doesn't take long to make and is much easier than making more traditional toffee accompaniments.
Contents
Ingredients
Stovetop sugar bark:
- 1 cup superfine or caster sugar
- Water
Silicone sheet sugar bark:
- 1 cup superfine or caster sugar
Steps
Stovetop Sugar Bark
- Prepare a baking sheet before starting. Line with parchment paper––this baking sheet is where you will spread the sugar mixture to create the sugar bark once it's melted. Set aside in readiness for use shortly.
- Put the saucepan on the stovetop, over a medium heat. Place the cup of sugar into the small saucepan.
- Stir frequently as the sugar heats. Keep stirring until the sugar dissolves; the mixture will come to the boil.
- Dip a pastry brush into water. Brush the saucepan around the sides, above the line of the sugar. This prevents the mixture from crystallizing.
- Let the sugar simmer for the next 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it but don't stir. When a rich, caramel color forms, remove the sugar mixture from the heat. Set down until the bubbles can no longer be seen before proceeding.
- Pour the sugar mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the sheet to disperse the sugar mixture evenly across the sheet. It should be very thin, so shift the sheet around from each side.
- Let stand to cool and harden. Once the sugar bark has hardened, it is ready for use. Break it into shards and place in coffee drinks or use to decorate a dessert that is just about to be eaten.
Silicone Sheet Sugar Bark
- Place a silicone mat onto a baking sheet. The firm base is important for keeping the sheet flat and easily handled. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF.
- Spread the cup of superfine or caster sugar across the silicone mat. Spread across evenly to ensure it is not lumpy or higher in one part than another.
- Place the baking sheet into the oven. Allow to cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes but watch it constantly as it will melt very quickly. It should turn a golden color when ready.
- Remove from the oven. If needed, tilt the tray to disperse the mixture across the sheet evenly.
- Let stand to cool and harden. Once hardened, break into shards and use as needed.
Tips
- The shards can also be placed on top of ice cream just before eating.
- For a more fanciful flavor, add such items as cinnamon, coffee granules, nut slivers, cocoa nibs, fennel seeds, etc., along with the sugar before heating.
Things You'll Need
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small heavy-based saucepan
- Pastry brush
Sources and Citations
- Stovetop method adapted from CSR.com.au
- Silicone sheet method adapted from: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/txt/s2049179.htm
